Justice News

D.C. Heroin Dealer Convicted At Trial

Defendant sold drugs used by 16-year-old girl, who subsequently died of overdose

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Antowan Thorne, also known as “Smooth,” 37, of Washington, D.C., was convicted yesterday of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. At least one individual died in Fairfax County, Virginia after using heroin provided by Thorne.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement.

According to the evidence presented at trial, during 2012 and 2013, Thorne conspired with others to distribute extremely potent heroin, largely to customers from northern Virginia. On Aug. 21, 2013, four individuals from northern Virginia, including 16-year-old Emily Lonczak and Kyle Alifom, traveled to Washington, D.C. to purchase heroin from Thorne. After using the heroin, Lonczak became unconscious and later died of a heroin overdose.

Alifom previously pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence for hiding Lonczak’s body after her overdose death. Alifom was sentenced to 80 months in prison. Thorne will be sentenced on Nov. 14, 2014.

This case was investigated by the DEA’s Washington Field Division and the Fairfax County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Ben’Ary and Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc J. Birnbaum are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:14-cr-165.